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When you think of Thanksgiving, sure, turkey, pumpkin pie, and that awkward family dinner is what comes to mind. But let’s be real, can you even do Thanksgiving without a FRIENDS marathon? This iconic sitcom didn’t just leave us with unforgettable moments, but it gave us the best ten Thanksgiving episodes that are not just memorable but downright legendary. And we must follow the tradition and help fans revisit these gems every year, just like we revisit that third slice of pie.
Now, let’s face it, ranking these episodes isn’t exactly easy since each one of them is close to our hearts. They’re like Monica’s obsessive cleaning, having their own sparkle. But hey, we have to do the dirty work. Whether it’s Ross ranting about “We were on a break!” or Chandler’s sarcastic quips about Thanksgiving disasters, every episode brings timeless pieces to the table.
So, grab your potatoes and fluff those couch cushions as we do the ultimate ranking of FRIENDS Thanksgiving episodes, from the ones that made us giggle to the ones that made us laugh so hard we nearly choked on our gravy.
The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs (Season 7, Episode 8)
Well, honestly, The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs is that Thanksgiving episode where things just feel a little off. First, the big reveal is Chandler, played by the lateMatthew Perry, hates dogs. Yes, the man who can turn any situation into a sarcastic punchline has no fury friends and it’s a buzzkill for the fans.
Meanwhile, Tag loses his car, Ross (David Schwimmer) refuses to eat until he names all 50 states, (spoiler alert, he can’t), and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) hilariously hides a dog from Chandler. And let’s not forget the glaring, Ross claims he hates ice cream, but didn’t he eat it with Elizabeth last season?
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Best quote?
Fine, take their advice. No one ever listens to me. When the package is this pretty, no one ever cares what’s inside. – Joey
Sure, season 7 episode 8 might not be the strongest ofFRIENDSThanksgiving outings, but even a weaker one has its charm. Moreover, there are plenty of goofy antics and Rachel’s ongoing Tag drama to keep you entertained. Still, if you are planning to skip one, this might be the one.
The One Where Underdog Gets Away (Season 1, Episode 9)
The One Where Underdog Gets Away is the OG FRIENDS Thanksgiving episode, and this is where it all began folks. The first glimpse of the best gang ever turning holiday disasters into iconic TV moments. Monica and Ross are left in the city, while Joey unwittingly becomes the poster boy for VD, and Rachel misses her flight to Vail despite everyone chipping in for her ticket. Then there’s more chaos of the escaped Underdog balloon, because, of course, even the parade can’t go smoothly.
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If you didn’t have syphilis and stuff, we wouldn’t be all together, you know? So I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m very thankful that all of your Thanksgiving sucked. – Chandler
When the crew locks themselves out of Monica’s apartment and ruins dinner, Chandler saves the day with cheese sandwiches. While it’s hilariously messy, but somehow, it’s also heartwarming. This episode might not be as polished as later Thanksgiving episodes, but it captures the essence of FRIENDS, turning your bad day into a laughable one.
The One With Chandler In A Box (Season 4, Episode 8)
Alright, let’s talk about The One With Chandler in a Box. This episode is a mix of hilarious and “why is this happening?” energy. When Chandler locks himself in a wooden box for six hours to win back Joey’s trust after the whole “I kiss your girlfriend” drama, it feels like a strange form of punishment. Moreover, Chandler’s sarcastic one-liners from inside the box somehow steal the show. Yes, it’s ridiculous, but also kind of sweet, isn’t it?
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Now let’s address the elephant, or rather the Richard-sized shadow in the room. And Monica flirting with his son, Tim? Come on, Monica. It’s awkward, uncomfortable, and just a little too weird to get behind. Thankfully, they realize it’s a no-go before things get messy but the cringe is still there.
Maybe you should put some ice on it. — Chandler to Monica after she gets ice in her eye
This episode definitely leans into the strange, but Chandler’s box antics and Joey’s emotional moments give it some heart, and let’s pretend that the Monica-Tim thing never happened, okay?
The One with All the Thanksgivings (Season 5 Episode 8)
An episode that’s not just funny but packed with juicy backstory. The One with All the Thanksgivings goes deep into the characters’ pre-FRIENDS lives, and honestly, it’s a feast of chaos and cringe. From Monica’s journey to becoming a chef to Chandler’s deep-rooted Thanksgiving hatred, this episode blends in plenty of connections in the most ridiculous ways.
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Now comes Monica’s ultimate revenge, losing weight after Chandler’s cruel comment and later trying to seduce him only to drop a knife on his foot. And then there’s Phoebe casually recounting Thanksgiving memories from her past life. Classic Phoebe.
Oh, my God, there’s a toe in my kitchen. — Judy Geller
But the cherry, or turkey, on top? Monica sticks a bird on her head to cheer up Chandler. It’s absurd, hilarious, and somehow heartwarming. Sure, it’s a flashback episode, but this one’s unforgettable, proving that even the worst Thanksgivings make for the best laughs.
The One with the Late Thanksgiving (Season 10 Episode 8)
The One with the Late Thanksgiving is a rollercoaster of emotions and probably the most bittersweet of all the FRIENDS Thanksgiving episodes. The episode starts off tense where Monica, the Thanksgiving Queen herself, doesn’t even want to host this year. But why? Then everyone shows up late, well that’s classic, and the holiday nearly falls apart. But just when you think this episode is all fights and frustration, it pulls a total 180 with the sweetest news ever. Well, Monica and Chandler are going to be parents!
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Get ready to taste my very special cranberries. Or should I say … Chanberries! — Chandler
Of course, there’s chaos. Joey gets his head stuck in the door, Ross and Joey prioritize hockey over dinner and Rachel and Phoebe enter Emma in a baby beauty pageant. But all the tension melts away when Monica and Chandler find out they’ve been chosen for adoption. This episode is the perfect full-circle Thanksgiving moment.
The One with the Football (Season 3 Episode 9)
The One with the Football is peak Thanksgiving chaos, Geller-style. Forget your average family squabbles, this episode gives us Monica and Ross battling it out for the infamous Geller Cup, a troll doll nailed to a two-by-four (yes, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds). Their sibling rivalry hits new highs (or lows?) as they relive a past so competitive it involved Monica breaking Ross’s nose. Classic.
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Ow, broken boob! — Phoebe
And the gang takes their holiday outside this time for a not-so-friendly game of touch football. Between Joey and Chandler embarrassing themselves trying to impress a random Dutch woman and Rachel proving she’s not exactly an athletic prodigy, it’s a comedy touchdown. Meanwhile, Monica’s intensity levels are through the roof, reminding us why her competitive streak is one of the show’s best running gags.
The One with Rachel’s Other Sister (Season 9 Episode 8)
The One with Rachel’s Other Sister serves up Thanksgiving with a side of drama as the courtesy of Rachel’s hilariously self-centered sister, Amy, played by the Emmy-winning perfection by Christina Applegate. Amy shows up uninvited and immediately kicks off a custody feud, insisting she should be Emma’s guardian if Ross and Rachel meet an untimely end despite not even knowing the baby’s name. Classic Amy.
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Emma, this is your first Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for? Mommy’s boobies? — Rachel
And Monica, in her peak Monica mode, is obsessing over her precious wedding china, which naturally ends up as collateral damage during all the chaos. Meanwhile, Chandler faces a surprising blow to his ego when he learns his place in the guardianship pecking order is, let’s say “complicated.”
This episode leans hard into familial tension, delivering moments that feel all too real while keeping the laughs flowing. Amy’s cluelessness and blunt quips steal the show, proving that Thanksgiving isn’t complete without at least one outrageous relative at the table.
The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6 Episode 9)
The One Where Ross Got High is a FRIENDS Thanksgiving gem packed with chaotic revelations, awkward moments, and one truly unforgettable dessert disaster. Rachel’s trifle-turned-shepherd’s-pie is the star of the episode, giving us the iconic Joey-approved verdict, “Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Beef? Good. Honestly, only Rachel could turn cooking into comedy gold.
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Meanwhile, Chandler spends the evening desperately trying to win over Jack and Judy Geller, who hilariously hate him due to a college-era misunderstanding where Ross blamed Chandler for his own pot-smoking incident. Cue the big family blow-up at the table, with secrets flying faster than anyone can process.
It tastes like feet! — Ross
Elsewhere, Phoebe is crushing on Jacques Cousteau, or rather, Monica’s dad, and Ross and Joey are scheming to escape for a party with Janine’s dancer friends. From Rachel’s culinary chaos to Ross’s sheepish confession, this episode perfectly balances the absurd and heartfelt. If Thanksgiving had a recipe for hilarity, this would be it.
The One with the Rumor (Season 8 Episode 9)
The One with the Rumor is an episode where FRIENDS meets Brad Pitt, and chaos ensues. Seeing Pitt play Will, an ex-high-school nerd-turned-heartthrob with a seething grudge against Rachel, was peak TV magic, especially since he was married to Jennifer Aniston at the time. The storyline? Hilarious but, let’s admit, a tad cringeworthy in hindsight. Will reveals he and Ross started a ridiculous rumor about Rachel back in high school, leaving her hilariously fuming.
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Meanwhile, Joey’s turkey-eating ambitions steal the spotlight, because, of course, only a Tribbiani could take on an entire Thanksgiving bird solo. And let’s not forget Phoebe and Chandler’s faux football commentary to dodge kitchen duties.
Oh, come on Will. Take off your shirt and tell us! — Phoebe
Sure, some jokes didn’t age well, but the absurdity of Pitt roasting Rachel while everyone else navigates turkey drama and fake football is classic Friends chaos. It’s one of those episodes where the humor and the sheer novelty of Brad Pitt outweigh the awkward moments.
Samridhi Goel
Content Writer
Articles Published :375
Samridhi breathes HOLLYWOOD. A seasoned professional content writer boasting three years of experience. Her expertise shines in the realm of entertainment, where she skillfully craft narratives that breathe life into movies, music, and pop culture. She has completed her Masters in Commerce but her obsession with Hollywood lead her to curate content for the same.
